BRP Jose Rizal with med supplies to arrive May 23

THANK YOU, SOUTH KOREA. Officials from the Philippine Navy and representatives from South Korean firms Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanhwa Systems hold a banner showing South Korea's message of support for the Philippines' battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Ulsan, South Korea on Monday (May 18, 2020). The BRP Jose Rizal carries a load of medical supplies donated by the South Korean government and the two companies. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – The BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the Philippine Navy (PN)'s first missile-frigate, is carrying on its way home medical supplies donated by the South Korean government and the companies that built and equipped the ship.

In an interview Tuesday, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the donation from the South Korean government consists of 35,000 Covid-19 test kits; 20,000 face masks and 2,000 units of hand sanitizers.

The ship and the medical supplies donation, expected to arrive this weekend, will augment the Philippines' capacity in battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the shipyard that constructed the BRP Jose Rizal, also gave 180 bottles of environmental disinfectants; 300 packs of disinfectant wipes; and 1,080 pieces of face shields.

The missile frigate is expected to arrive in Subic Anchorage Area, Zambales on May 23 where its crew will first undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine prior to the ship’s technical inspection and low-key acceptance ceremony.

With the arrival of the BRP Jose Rizal, the PN will have its first-ever multi-mission frigate capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

With a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles, the frigate has successfully undergone sea trials and sea acceptance tests.

The first of the two frigates contracted under HHI was supposed to be delivered by the third or fourth week of April this year but was extended due to travel restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The second frigate, to be named BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), is expected to be delivered by end of this year. (PNA)